Summer 2015 - Frisky`s Wildlife and Primate Sanctuary

SAVING THE LIVES OF WILDLIFE AND PRIMATES SINCE 1970
THE RESCUE RECORD
FRISKY’S WILDLIFE & PRIMATE SANCTUARY
Issue 32 • SUMMER 2015
SUMMER ISSUE
FRONT PAGE
BALD EAGLE RELEASE
BY JULIA DAGNELLO
PAGE 2
FRISKY’S WILDLIFE REHABILITATION
CENTER THE BALANCING ACT
24/7 OF 365
BY COLLEEN LAYTON-ROBBINS
PAGE 3
FRISKY’S FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
BY OMAR FAKHRI
FAWN SEASON
BY SANAZ NORGARD
PAGE 4
ANTHROPOMORPHIC ENTHUSIASTS
WITH HUGE HEARTS
BY OMAR FAKHRI
HONORING BILL KUHN
PAGE 5
FRISKY’S KID’S PAGE
BY DIANE BROWN
PAGE 6
DONNING THE GLOVES
BY SANAZ NORGARD
FRISKY’S DONOR APPRECIATION
PAGE 7
WHAT CAN I DO?
WISH LIST
to find out what you can
do to help the many animals
in need at Frisky’s
Visit us online at www.friskys.org
10790 Old Frederick Rd, Woodstock MD 21163 • 410-418-8899
BALD EAGLE RELEASE
BY JULIA DAGNELLO
The bald eagle came to us at the
end of April after he was injured
in a fight with another eagle. Tom,
the man who found it, had spotted
commotion in a neighbor’s field
and went to investigate. He found
the two eagles tangled up, one with
it’s talons in the others back and
wing. He grabbed some gloves and
managed to pry them apart. One of
the eagles flew away, but the other
was too injured. He was transported
to Chadwell Animal Hospital and
treated for a wound on it’s back
before coming to Frisky’s.
For the first month the eagle
was confined to a small enclosure
so it could get medicated daily and
start recovering. Several vet trips
and a lot of fish later, the wound was
fully healed and he was ready to go
into a flight enclosure. He was far
happier in our large flight enclosure
and slowly started building up his
strength again. Initially he couldn’t
fly all the way across and would go
down to the ground. A few weeks
later he was able to get from one
side to the other, turn around and
do it again. At this point, he was
ready to go.
After two months with us, we
finally got to see our bald eagle
back where he belongs. On July
3rd we released him in the same
location he was found with the
people who had rescued him.
Being able to put them back into
the wild is why we do what we
do and makes all the hard work
worth it. If you want to see a video
of the release, its on our facebook
group: https://www.facebook.com/
groups/friskyswildlife/
FRISKY’S WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTER
THE BALANCING ACT - 24/7 OF 365
BY COLLEEN LAYTON ROBBINS
For many months now I have been wanting to catch our family, friends & supporters up on what is going on here at
Frisky’s. We’ve had our annual fundraiser. Not quite as good as last year, but went very well! Yet, we still have a barn full
of items left over, trying to figure out how to turn it into funds for Frisky’s. Please contact us if you have any real solutions.
So, animals have been coming in, born as early as March. Squirrels, bunnies & foxes, owls, baby fawns, ducklings,
goslings & a variety of birds have been keeping us extra busy this summer as well as all the sanctuary exotics that live here.
I, myself, am up before 5 a.m., and do not go to bed till 10:30. That’s why I have an unfiltered attitude when someone shows
up after hours.
Question on our Balancing Act -- Many of you ask, when did I start wildlife rehabilitation or you may know that I started
9-15-1970, My 1st husband was in Vietnam & I was pregnant with our son, Rick, when I was brought my first litter of bunnies
that were found on the railroad tracks in Gettysburg. So you know I’ve been doing this close to 45 years! You all know I
can’t do this forever. Many have asked who will take on Frisky’s dedicated career for animals? Well, mainly our good staff.
But #1 in place is Julia Dagnello. She’s been with us for 5 years now, 40 years younger than I am. Totally 100% committed
& dedicated. A hard worker, very intelligent and sees the task through. She amazes us all with her diligence. Without Izzy’s
vast medical/veterinary knowledge and experience, Omar’s computer know how, or Carolyn’s endless patience for data entry
Frisky’s wouldn’t exist today.
We found out during all the storms that the very old roof of Frisky’s main building has three leaks. One of them comes
down into the primate & exotic special needs room, one in the library and one leaks into the library office. Repair/replacement
estimate is about $25,000.
My life of helping others especially animals with all of the compassion & empathy towards those, that were hurting with
pain caused by outside forces i.e. other animals, humans, vehicles or nature. Well, I could relate to them and help them through
their suffering which also helped me through my own. My life given, was worth it! I have never ever regretted or wanted to
quit. In what I have gave and done. NO matter what stress it caused or cost me in my own health or personal life. To this day
I still want to go out of my way to do good, and help others. Almost every person I’ve met who calls on us here has some real
empathy for animals in need. And I’ve met thousand of you! THANKS!!!
I need for people to please understand that I rarely get a chance to answer the phone, we are extremely busy around here I
don’t like misunderstandings...like when I say we are not taking domestic animals.
The balancing act is even here at Frisky’s in our little orchard, the cherry trees failed this year miserably but the pear, apple
& peach trees are doing great. Grapevines...well the goats & horse pulled some of those down (darn kids) but there is still
several yards left, that are producing well enough to feed the fawns, wildlife & primates. Our little garden which has squash,
cucumbers & tomatoes. The berry bushes have done very well, but did not last very long. They did produce several gallons
that made great smoothies for the volunteers & primates which made them happy.
Upon remembering volunteers or the supporters promises unkept, sometimes we feel forgotten & very disappointed, a bit
hurt from promises unkept. I remember a time back when a man on Valentine’s Day said he got a card but forgot to send it.
Wasn’t it the thought that counted yet still had no apology or action to give. I felt hurt, unworthy, disappointed & a bit bitter.
Now, onto the balancing act -- I have a wonderful man, Scott. He is very committed & never forgets anything. Dedicated Staff/
Volunteers & Loyal Supporters. I still to this day think I am...Living the Life! Even today, with all of its challenges.
There are challenges with Frisky’s Wildlife Center as with all organizations. Of course we deal with our community for
the same common goal -- grounds to provide rehabilitation or sanctuary for animals in need. Did you know 9 out of 10 people
do not leave a donation. Some of the ones that do of course compensate for the ones who do nothing. Yes many cannot afford
monetary or in-kind donation. I must say it gets frustrating with the ones that we know can donate do nothing, but like I said
it does all balance out. We have so many wonderful people who either come by, mail or send wonderful letters, cards and
giftcards, or bring in donations.
From suffering and surviving many hardships and events at a young age. I’ve realized our life is a gift not to be wasted but
do something worthwhile and appreciate the life we have. I always want to be a blessing on every path that crosses mine, yet
on the balancing act, sometimes yes I snap at the person who shows up at 10:30 at night after they’ve heard Frisky’s recording
saying respect hours from 8 to 8. When I’m pulled out of bed or a shower for a non-emergency, yes I’ve snapped. I have often
said I want to write a book. They have books out of the mouths of babies. I want to write one out of the mouths of seniors, we
lost our filter anyone want to help me write it?
The fact is Frisky’s is here on our personal farm. It is a 501c3 organization. We do not receive any state, county or federal
funding and are not receiving any grants, no one here is paid. Yet we are licensed by DNR, Federal Fish and Wildlife and
Wildlife Heritage. We have a rabie vector species permit and USDA APHIS license and a marriage license. I repeat - no one
here is paid. Scott my husband works 60 hours a week to make ends meet. Last year we took in several thousands of animals.
We received $98,000 in donations and fundraising. You to the math it’s a balancing act.
We are inundated & exhausted, but in balancing, we can’t & won’t shake off any of our responsibilities...so we need
your welfare and continued support along with dedicated staff...we have cut back... we no longer take in companion pets.
Continued in page 7
2 SUMMER 2015 | THE RESCUE RECORD
FRISKY’S FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS BY OMAR FAKHRI
Q: I’ve called multiple times and left multiple messages,
why doesn’t anyone pick up?
A: We have a really long message for a reason and
thats to answer 95% of typical questions we get. Most
messages are “I found _____ can I bring it in?” “Do
you accept ______?”. If your question is answered by
our message, we will not be either answering the phone
or returning your call. The reason behind this is that
80% of the time, Frisky’s is a one person operation.
That one person, Colleen Layton-Robbins can not be
running to the phone every 5 minutes when we she’s
in the middle of saving lives. To give you an insight
at our call/message totals, we clear out 45 messages
every other day and the phone calls are nearly double.
Q: Can I bring an animal after 8pm?
A: No you may not, Frisky’s is also the Robbins’
personal home and coming in after hours violates
their privacy. Most wildlife facilities have days off
and end at 5pm, out of the goodness of her own heart
Colleen allows Frisky’s to be open 365 days a year
and closes at 8pm. Please respect her and our wishes,
they’re still a family and need family time. Just keep
the animal warm overnight and bring it in first thing
in the morning, or have someone else bring it in. DO
NOT COME IN AFTER HOURS!!!!
FAWN SEASON BY SANAZ NORGARD
Starting in May, we begin to see
the fawns of white-tailed deer arriving
at Frisky’s. These adorable little guys
are sometimes brought in accidently,
as they often do not like being rescued.
When the fawns are first born, they
have almost no body odor and their
spotted coats help them blend into
surroundings protecting them from
potential predators. Their mother will
leave them in a secluded area, while
she heads out to forage. The doe will
only nurse the fawn periodically, and
often people find fawns alone, thinking
they have been abandoned. However,
this is not the case, and the doe will
Feeding the Fawns
not return to the fawn while humans are
present.
Fawns have the best chance of
survival with their mothers. Please do
not remove the fawn unless he or she
is lying on his or her side, surrounded
by flies, kicking, crying, injured, or
is obviously ill. If a fawn must be
brought in, DO NOT chase it. Deer
are prey animals, and stress from a
chase can cause them to suffer capture
cardiomyopathy, which can and will
kill the very creature you may be trying
to save. When bringing a fawn to
Frisky’s, you can place a towel over its
head. This can help keep it calm as you
bundle it like a burrito for
transport.
As tempting as it may
be, try not to hug, talk to,
or cuddle the fawn, as this
causes them more stress.
Equally important is not
to attempt to keep them. It
is illegal to keep wildlife
as pets and a small, baby
fawn will grow rapidly,
losing its spots in about
3 months and later
becoming
dangerous
as a 125 to 225 pound adult. We also
Fawn
ask you do not attempt to feed them
before bringing them into Frisky’s.
All wildlife have different nutritional
requirements, and without the proper
diet, they will become very ill. Cow’s
milk is especially dangerous, since the
intestinal upset it causes can quickly
lead to death. Once showing signs
of illness or diarrhea, fawns can be
extremely difficult to save.
Therefore, we ask you to bring the
fawn promptly to Frisky’s, keeping the
fawn in a warm, quiet area until arrival.
As always, we are open 8 am to 8 pm,
every single day of the year and you
do not need to call in advance. Fawn
season is a beautiful time of year and
we hope all of the fawns will grow up
healthy and happy!
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THE RESCUE RECORD SUMMER 2015
3
ANTHROPOMORPHIC ENTHUSIASTS WITH HUGE HEARTS
BY OMAR FAKHRI
For the past 3 years we’ve
been delighted to have a new
major supporter that has pretty
much come out of the blue;
this supporter is actually an
annual convention that goes by
the name of “Fur the ‘More”.
What is Fur the ‘More? It’s
a Furry convention, the only
one in the tri-state area! Now
you’re probably asking what
is a Furry? They’re people
who have a hobby of dressing
up
into
anthropomorphic
characters (half human/half animal)
that they associate themselves to
which they call a Fursona (a play
off of persona, very cute!). They
dress up in full bodied Fursuits that
represent their Fursona and like to
meet/greet people, just hang out, or
other activities like dancing, art, and
more. I personally love it when they
meet kids since their eyes light up
like they’re meeting Mickey Mouse
for the first time.
This year, they held their
convention at the Sheraton Premiere
in Tyson’s Corner, Virginia during
May 29-31. It was a weekend filled
with wonderful events and kind
people! One of my favorite events
was the Chimaera Challenge build,
in which you have 2 hours to create
a fursuit out of random pieces of
leftover materials. After everyone is
completely covered in fur, the finished
products range from masterpieces
to hilarious monstrosities.
In addition, there were 3
charity events held this year,
which included a charity
poker game, Red Dragon
Inn tournament, and Charity
Auction!
The
highest
item sold for $600 was a
signed cup of Gatorade by
PepperCoyote who was the
announcer for the auction.
Three years ago they
chose us as their charity
convention, which totally
makes sense since they’re all huge
animal lovers and it really shows!
They have since raised us over
$12,000! This greatly helps Frisky’s
pay for the supplies needed for animal
husbandry, and bills such as water,
electric, and veterinary. We are very
grateful for all the support we receive,
and since Fur the More is one of our
top contributors, we especially want
to thank them for all their help!
Frisky’s would like to take the time to honor one of our biggest supporters,
Bill Kuhn who passed away earlier this year. Bill and his wife Debbie were long time
supporters of Frisky’s, they have done it all for Frisky’s from monetary donations, to
supplies, and even supporting us during our court cases. Many friends and family of
Bill & Debbie made donations to Frisky’s in Bill’s honor, which shows what
kind and generous souls that we were blessed with knowing. Thank you Bill,
you left a large impact in the lives of everyone at Frisky’s, you will be sorely missed.
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SUMMER 2015 THE RESCUE RECORD
Frisky’s Kids Page
By: Diane Brown
Kids Can Help Too
Kids are a very important part of Frisky’s. Every day we have
kids like you, that want to do their part to help the animals in
some way. In the past, Boy Scout Troops have done projects
for Frisky’s, like building benches, birdhouses or other
houses for animals to live in. Girl Scouts have knitted nesting
baskets for small animals to cozy up in or they have done
drives for things we need, like paper towels and linens.
W ITH
TROOP NS
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WISH L
Other kids have done bake sales, lemonade stands, car
washes or sold candy bars to help raise money to support
Frisky’s. Kids can also do things around their homes or
neighborhoods, like raking leaves, mowing lawns, or
shoveling snow, then have people donate money to Frisky’s
in return.
As a way to say thank you, we often have educational
programs for Scout Troops or organizations to help with
badges or certificates. Don’t forget about our summer
programs. Children as young as five may come on a summer
tour. More information can be found about the tours on
Facebook or the Frisky’s Website. Once we have said when
the summer tours will be, you can have your parents contact
Frisky’s by e-mail to sign-up at [email protected].
Whether you help in a big or small way, everyone here at
Frisky’s, especially all the animals, thank you for all that you
do!
KIDS WITH A SNACK
SHOP STAND
B OY
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PRO UT BE
JE C
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Gizmo’s
Fun Fact
NC
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Frisky’s Word Search
l this winter at
One power bil er $1200!!
ov
Frisky’s cost
COLOR ME
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THE RESCUE RECORD SUMMER 2015
5
DONNING THE GLOVE
BY SANAZ NORGARD
When working with wildlife, personal safety and hygiene is absolutely necessary. Therefore, we ask everyone who
brings in an animal to wear gloves to protect themselves from the internal and external parasites that are found on
wildlife. Many of these parasites and their eggs cannot be seen by the naked eye. Some can survive baths of bleach and
even freezing at temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, even boiling water may not destroy their toxins
and/or spores.But throwing on gloves is not enough, these items must be carefully put on and removed. Gloves should be
fully extended to protect the wrist. While gloves are worn, limit surfaces that you touch to avoid spreading contamination,
keep your hands away from your face or any other exposed skin, and change gloves when they become torn or heavily
contaminated. If you touch any part of the glove that is dirty, promptly wash your hands or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
The outside of gloves are contaminated and removing them also must be
done with caution. This can be done in a series of steps to ensure no bare hand
contact is made with the contaminants. First, while both hands are gloved,
grasp the palm area of the first gloved hand with your other gloved hand, peel
off the first glove. Then, while holding the first removed glove in the still
gloved hand, slide fingers or thumb under the remaining glove at wrist and peel
off second glove over the first. The gloves will be inside out at this point and
can now be safely discarded.
Once you discard your gloves, you need to wash or sanitize your hands
again. This is a very important last step,which is often forgotten. When
you follow these guidelines, you help prevent the spread of illness, which also
White Throated Sparrow
benefits wildlife.
FRISKY’S DONOR APPRECIATION!!!!
Office Hours By Appointment
Tallpines Forest
Products Inc.
Chadwell Animal Hospital
Keith Gold D.V.M.
3004 Emmorton Rd
Abingdom, MD 21009
443-512-8338
10229 Wesleigh Drive • Columbia, MD 210461133
2020 Marriottsville Road,
Suite A
Marriottsville, MD 21104
(410) 480-2222
(410) 884-0800
State Licensed
Wildlife Cooperator
410-501-3532
Robert Dunker
Humane Wildlife Solutions
HR 605
719 Maiden Choice LN
Catonsville, MD 21228
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SUMMER 2015 THE RESCUE RECORD
Service & Repairs
All Makes & Models
MarriottsvillleAnimalHospital.com
PRECISION
Office Hours By Appointment
CYCLE
Engine Building
Trans. Building
WORKS
Harley-Davidson
Indian
Hours: Tues - Fri 12-6, Sat 10-3
Parts & Service
10745 Tucker St., Unit 3, Beltsville, Maryland 20705
301.937.5783
PATUXENT VALLEY ANIMAL HOSPITAL
LOUIS M. WIEST, Jr. V.M.D.
Cherry Tree Center, 11200 Scaggsville Road
Laurel, MD 20723
Health Care for
Companion Animals
Telephone:
(301) 490-1030
FRISKY’S WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTER
THE BALANCING ACT 24/7 OF 365
Continued from page 2
Many people have misunderstanding thinking we are
no longer taking in bunnies or birds...No it’s just domestic
pets, adult deer or raccoons that are no longer accepted here
at Frisky’s. Our outgoing message says you can bring over
orphaned, injured or displaced wildlife between 8 am and 8
pm. We are sorry, we cannot come out to pick up animals
off the side of the road or private properties.
I have heard from one of my neighbors who stops over
regularly say I should remind people the cost of wildlife
rehabilitation. A species specific diet can be challenging
when mothers of wildlife do not feed their animals from
anything that has been processed. Of course this means
we regularly have special orders for frozen feeder mice,
costing Frisky’s $400. to $600. about every two weeks to
feed the hawks, owls, foxes, snakes & alligators. For the
many species of birds we use different kinds of worms/
mealworms, along with a staple diet formula mixture.
Groundhogs, bunnies, squirrels and fawns start with
special formula with canned pumpkin, working their way
to peanuts, grapes berries, greens & hay.
Many of you would like to take an interest in Frisky’s
Wildlife & Primate Sanctuary & Rescue Inc., and many
have shown more than interest. We hear quite often...No
one would do this day in and day out year after year. But
there are us wildlife rehabilitators!!!!! Yes, it takes a real
commitment! It involves every waking & sleeping moment
for me! I know some of my staff are very dedicated with
the welfare. I’m seeing animals that pass through this
property with the dedicated staff, to name a of few, Scott,
Julia, Bonnie, Joyce, Eileen Tom, Izzy, Omar, Matt & the
many veterinarians & volunteers. I appreciate your ongoing
generous support.
In closing... it’s all a Balancing Act. I probably have
attention decifit disorder. Getting it all done & living life. In
doing good caring work for purpose. As always THANKS
for caring, sharing & giving.
Sincerely always & all ways,
Colleen Layton-Robbins, Founder of Frisky’s
Colleen of Friskys Wildlife
As always, you can go to our website
and safely donate through paypal!
WHAT CAN I DO?
Frisky’s is a 501 (c) 3 Organization. Frisky’s DOES NOT receive any county, state or federal
funding. Frisky’s survives only by public donations. All proceeds and donations go directly
to the care and welfare of the animals. Please donate an item from the wish list, or send in
your tax deductible donation!
www.friskys.org • [email protected]
DONATION RECORD
FRISKY’S WILDLIFE & PRIMATE SANCTUARY, INC.
10790 Old Frederick Road • Rt. 99 • Woodstock, Maryland 21163
Your donation is 100% Tax Deductible
Retain this receipt for your records.
DATE ___________________
CASH $ ______________ GOODS $ ______________
CHECK $ _____________ CHECK # _________________
(DESCRIPTION OF GOODS)
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
u for your Support!
410.418.8899
DONATION RECORD
FRISKY’S WILDLIFE & PRIMATE SANCTUARY, INC.
Please remember to detach this form and leave it with your donation
so we can thank you.
10790 Old Frederick Road • Rt. 99 • Woodstock, Maryland 21163
DATE ___________________
YES, You can count on me to help support your efforts to care for the
animals of Frisky’s!
My check/gift is enclosed. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent
of the law. Frisky’s is a 501(c)3 organization and receives no financial
support from federal, state or county government.
CASH $ ______________
GOODS $ ______________
CHECK $ _____________ CHECK # _________________
(DESCRIPTION OF GOODS)
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
If you are interested in collaborative opportunities or donating your time and
expertise, please write us with your thoughts, call or email Frisky’s.
We try very hard to use your contributions for the most urgent need at the time
we receive them. If you would like to restrict this contribution for a specific
project, please mark here. _________________________________
NAME _____________________________________________
ADDRESS ___________________________________________
Frisky’s is a Non-Profit Organization (a 501 (c) 3 Organization)
and is NOT Federally, State or Locally Funded.
Frisky’s survives solely on the generosity of the public for funds.
Check us out on Facebook
PHONE ____________________________________________
With a donation, your name will be placed on our mailing list
to receive The Rescue Record.
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THE RESCUE RECORD SUMMER 2015
7
Common Snapping Turtle
American Kestrels
Baby Eastern Cottontail
Bald Eagle
Eastern Box Turtle
Juvenile Barred Owl
Goslings
Blue Jay
Baby Striped Skunk
Squirrel
Great Horned Owl